Free Press sports writer Dave Birkett discusses the top issues from Sunday’s loss to the Bengals:Line 'em up

One of the most pleasant surprises of the season the Lions’ offensive line left Sunday’s game in a state of disrepair.

Left tackle Riley Reiff left in the first half with a hamstring injury. He was forced to return in the fourth quarter when right tackle Corey Hilliard went down with a knee injury. Hilliard is scheduled for an MRI today. Jason Fox who opened the season as the Lions’ starting right tackle missed his second straight game with a knee injury.

Undrafted rookie LaAdrian Waddle who held his own as a fill-in on both sides Sunday is the only healthy tackle heading into a crucial home game against the Cowboys so the Lions make have to make a move at the position.Great grab

Calvin Johnson and A.J. Green maybe the two best receivers on the planet put on a clinic Sunday. Johnson had nine catches for 155 yards and two touchdowns and Green caught six passes for 155 yards and one score.

Green got the win and had his way with the Lions’ secondary but Johnson had the game’s most memorable catch climbing above three defenders to snag a 50-yard Hail Mary from Matthew Stafford for a touchdown.

Johnson and Green traded jerseys after the game and Stafford said Johnson’s catch was “one of the best catches I’ve ever seen.”Foot loose

One play Johnson couldn’t make was a second-and-4 crossing route on the Lions’ final drive when he stumbled and didn’t come near the ball.